March 18, 2014

American employees earn $100 for on-time performance in January

As part of a new bonus program to improve operations at the combined American Airlines-US Airways, employees received $100 for the carriers' performance in January.

In a letter sent to employees on Tuesday, American chief operating officer Robert Isom said the airline ranked first in on-time arrivals and baggage performance when compared to industry rivals, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.

American's on-time rate of 76.5 percent was the fourth-best in the recent Department of Transportation rankings with Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Virgin America outperforming the Fort Worth-based carrier.

"Part of restoring American as the greatest airline in the world is making sure that we’re an industry leader in running a safe and reliable operation, and thanks to your hard work we’re off to a great start for 2014. February continued the streak of brutal weather months for the airline industry, so we’ll have to wait until early April to see how we fared against our peers, but for now, celebrate a job well done," Isom said in the letter.

American unveiled the new employee incentive program in Janaury that could pay workers up to $150 a month if the operations at the airline are better than its three largest competitors. Employees earn $50 for each category win, up to a maximum payment of $150 per month. The three categories are on-time arrival, baggage performance and customer satisfaction.

Employees will see the extra $100 in their pay check later this month, Isom said.

What a great start for the new American! This morning the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued its Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) for January, which includes the combined results for both of our airlines. I am proud to say American led our peers in both on-time arrivals and baggage performance, which means mainline employees have earned their first $100 Triple Play payout. Way to go!

As a reminder, for Triple Play we compare ourselves against Delta, Southwest and United in on-time arrivals, baggage performance and customer satisfaction, and employees receive $50 for each #1 ranking. You’ll see the $100 reflected in your regular paycheck later this month.

It’s great to take the top position in two of the three metrics in our very first month reporting as a combined airline. And it took everyone on the team pulling together to do it. You fought through extremely challenging conditions in January and finally broke Delta’s stronghold on the number one rankings.

I know that all of you have been stretched by the demands of the operation over the past few months. Some are calling this winter one of the worst on record – and between the Polar Vortex, Snow-mageddon and winter storm Maximus, it’s hard not to believe it. Add to it the new flight and duty time regulations and the integration of our two airlines, and you quickly understand how remarkable it is that we bested the competition in January. All your hard work that we celebrated this past Friday is what helped us get these results.

Head over to Jetnet and Wings to meet our Triple Play All Stars – employees who go above and beyond for our customers and their fellow employees. This month we’re recognizing CLT Customer Service Agent Jennifer Swingle and DFW-based Flight Attendant Janet Horton. Their names will go into the next Above and Beyond drawing for a chance to win up to $10,000.

Part of restoring American as the greatest airline in the world is making sure that we’re an industry leader in running a safe and reliable operation, and thanks to your hard work we’re off to a great start for 2014. February continued the streak of brutal weather months for the airline industry, so we’ll have to wait until early April to see how we fared against our peers, but for now, celebrate a job well done.